Fiberglass Batt Insulation and Fiberglass Loose Fill Insulation in Norfolk County

For the average homeowner, it’s an advantage to understand home insulation

For most homeowners across Canada, there comes a time to consider insulation renewal/replacement. For those who are debating between fiberglass batt insulation and fiberglass loose fill insulation in Norfolk County, it’s good to understand the fundamentals. The bottom line with insulation is reducing and/or eliminating what experts refer to as “heat transfer”. This involves preventing indoor heat from escaping in the winter months, and preventing outdoor heat from coming into the house during the summer months. In short, “heat transfer” makes for poor energy efficiency and costlier energy bills.

Insulation contractors will look at a home as a “building envelope”, knowing that the various building materials affect “heat transfer” either positively or negatively. Their aim, when insulating, is to address the negative effects, and with a good insulation product, the negative effects of “heat transfer” can be countered. For the average homeowner, the benefits of a good insulation project are measurable. To begin with, the home’s energy efficiency is substantially improved. As well, heating cycles (winter) and cooling cycles (summer) are more balanced. And finally, seasonal energy bills are noticeably reduced.

There are many insulation products available today, with each claiming to be the best choice. For the experts, however, the purpose and aim of insulating is the focus. Firstly – to effectively impede any unwanted air movement. Secondly - to effectively prevent any moisture from collecting. And thirdly - to measurably boost R-Value. The truth is, working with an expert contractor has advantages. The experts have BOTH product knowledge AND installation expertise. And although homeowners might see some savings with a DIY approach, the results won’t measure up compared to an expert approach.

Fiberglass loose fill and fiberglass batts for insulating the attic and roof

Canadians and Americans living in the northern climates are familiar with fiberglass insulation for the attic and roof. Usually available as loose-fill insulation, or in fiberglass batts, both options are well suited for residential application. With a skillful install, fiberglass insulation allows for satisfactory levels of R-Value and a satisfactory installation lifespan. Post-installation, the homeowner benefits are noticeable: better energy efficiency; balanced energy consumption; and reduced energy bills.

Home insulation, like any home project, requires some proficiency. And it’s the professionals who best understand the nuances of each product, and the complexities of each install. What’s most important is to install a proper “thermal blanket”, and this takes proficiency. The loose fill insulation, just as an example, must be installed with 100% uniformity and consistency to best perform. Similarly, fiberglass batts must be installed with proper planning and strategy for the insulation to perform at peak.

There are benefits to having fiberglass insulation installed

There are definitely benefits when installing fiberglass insulation. Following the product specifications and instructions, a finished installation will be asbestos-free, non-corrosive, and non-combustible. The products are safe, and many brands are air-quality tested. Usually, fiberglass insulation will contain “recycled glass”, making for a project with a favorable “green” constituent. With a competent install, fiberglass products should not settle and should not retain moisture (this refers to small amounts).

Fiberglass insulation does not attract rodents, animals, insects or vermin. Properly installed, it will not support the growth of mold or mildew. But importantly, the installation space must be provided with appropriate ventilation – this will assure the integrity of the fiberglass, and will reduce any chance of the product deteriorating. For homeowners who might be considering fiberglass insulation in Norfolk County, this is a home project that cost effective to begin with, and cost saving for years to come.

Fiberglass insulation products can also present problems

Although fiberglass insulation remains a popular installation, air/moisture issues are not adequately addressed, according to the experts. Indeed, in most attics and roofs, undesirable air movement and moisture can have a negative effect on the integrity and performance of the insulation.

Another problem with fiberglass is “air leakage”. For the experts, fiberglass does not do a sealing job, and therefore does not stop airflow coming in and out of the attic cavity. It poses a big problem since only a well-sealed attic space will allow an insulation product to perform at its peak.

Wetness is a big enemy for fiberglass insulation. When fiberglass gets wet, it will quickly lose integrity and R-Value throughout. Oftentimes, a situation like this will remain unnoticed, and the wet fiberglass environment will deteriorate. The only option: removal – repair - reinstallation.

Wetness will also make for an environment that is friendly to mold. Here, an infestation may require the services of a mold removal expert. And depending on the gravity, remediation may be required. Worst-case scenario, the fiberglass insulation will have to be entirely re-installed.

With the downsides of fiberglass, Spray Polyurethane Foam is a good alternate

With the various downsides of fiberglass insulation, contractors have started to suggest an alternative - Spray Polyurethane Foam. As an “insulation blanket” SPF goes well beyond any comparable product. One application impedes air movement, prevents moisture from collecting, and effectively insulates.

SPF is the ultimate sealer. It makes for an airtight space that completely stops air leakage - heated air inside the home doesn’t leak out and warm outside air doesn’t flow in. The result for the homeowner: much better energy efficiency; much better energy consumption; and much reduced energy bills.

Perhaps the most cost-effective insulation project - the “hybrid”

While SPF is clearly the best insulation product available, it is a premium product not compatible with every homeowner’s budget. Because of this, some insulation professionals will recommend “hybrid” install – it brings excellent results to an insulation project, along with a reasonable cost component.

Simply put, a “hybrid” install combines Spray Polyurethane Foam insulation with fibreglass insulation. The first step installs the SPF insulation to effectively seal and insulate the space. The second step installs one of the fibreglass insulation products, which augments R-Value, and adds cost-effectiveness.